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Nikon D850 vs Olympus E-PL3

The Nikon D850 and the Olympus PEN E-PL3 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in July 2017 and June 2011. The D850 is a DSLR, while the E-PL3 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a full frame (D850) and a Four Thirds (E-PL3) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 45.4 megapixels, whereas the Olympus provides 12.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Nikon D850
versus
Olympus E-PL3
Nikon D850   Olympus E-PL3
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
45.4 MP – Full Frame sensor 12.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor
4K/30p Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 64-25,600 (32 - 102,400) ISO 200-12,800
Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
3.2" LCD – 2359k dots 3.0" LCD – 460k dots
Tilting touchscreen Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
9 shutter flaps per second 5.5 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
1840 shots per battery charge300 shots per battery charge
146 x 124 x 79 mm, 1005 g 110 x 64 x 37 mm, 313 g
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Check E-PL3 offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D850 and the Olympus PEN E-PL3? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon D850 and the Olympus E-PL3 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The E-PL3 can be obtained in four different colors (black, silver, red, white), while the D850 is only available in black.

Size Nikon D850 vs Olympus E-PL3
Compare D850 versus E-PL3 top
Comparison D850 or E-PL3 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus E-PL3 is considerably smaller (61 percent) than the Nikon D850. Moreover, the E-PL3 is substantially lighter (69 percent) than the D850. It is worth mentioning in this context that the D850 is splash and dust resistant, while the E-PL3 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Nikon Lens Catalog (D850) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (E-PL3). Mirrorless cameras, such as the E-PL3, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the D850 gets 1840 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL15a battery, while the E-PL3 can take 300 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLS-5 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D850 146 mm 124 mm 79 mm 1005 g 1840 Y Jul 2017 3,299 amazon.com
2.
 
Olympus E-PL3 110 mm 64 mm 37 mm 313 g 300 n Jun 2011 599ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS R 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 Y Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D600 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D610 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Oct 2013 1,999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D800 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 1000 g 900 Y Feb 2012 2,999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D800E 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 1000 g 900 Y Feb 2012 3,299ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D810 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 980 g 1200 Y Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon Df 144 mm 110 mm 67 mm 760 g 1400 Y Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-P3 122 mm 69 mm 34 mm 369 g 330 n Jun 2011 799ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-PL1 115 mm 72 mm 42 mm 334 g 290 n Feb 2010 599ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-PL2 114 mm 72 mm 42 mm 362 g 280 n Jan 2011 599ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-PL5 111 mm 64 mm 38 mm 325 g 360 n Sep 2012 599ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-PM1 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 265 g 330 n Jun 2011 499ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A99 II 143 mm 104 mm 76 mm 849 g 490 Y Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The E-PL3 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 82 percent) than the D850, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D850 features a full frame sensor and the Olympus E-PL3 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the E-PL3 is 74 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 2.0. The sensor in the D850 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the E-PL3 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Nikon D850 and Olympus E-PL3 sensor measures

With 45.4MP, the D850 offers a higher resolution than the E-PL3 (12.2MP), but the D850 nevertheless has marginally larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.35μm versus 4.29μm for the E-PL3) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the D850 is a much more recent model (by 6 years) than the E-PL3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the D850 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D850 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D850 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.3 x 27.5 inches or 104.9 x 69.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33 x 22 inches or 83.9 x 55.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.5 x 18.3 inches or 69.9 x 46.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus E-PL3 are 20.2 x 15.1 inches or 51.2 x 38.4 cm for good quality, 16.1 x 12.1 inches or 41 x 30.7 cm for very good quality, and 13.4 x 10.1 inches or 34.1 x 25.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon D850 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 64 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 32-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus PEN E-PL3 are ISO 200 to ISO 12800 (no boost).

In terms of underlying technology, the D850 is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the E-PL3 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D850 versus E-PL3 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under review, the D850 provides substantially higher image quality than the E-PL3, with an overall score that is 48 points higher. This advantage is based on 5.5 bits higher color depth, 4.5 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2.4 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D850 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.414.82660100
2.
 
Olympus E-PL3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.910.349952
3.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
4.
 
Canon 5DS R Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.612.4230886
5.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
6.
 
Nikon D600 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.2298094
7.
 
Nikon D610 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.4292594
8.
 
Nikon D800 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/30p25.314.4285395
9.
 
Nikon D800E Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/30p25.614.3297996
10.
 
Nikon D810 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.714.8285397
11.
 
Nikon Df Full Frame 16.2 4928 3280none24.613.1327989
12.
 
Olympus E-P3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.810.153651
13.
 
Olympus E-PL1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.510.148754
14.
 
Olympus E-PL2 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.410.257355
15.
 
Olympus E-PL5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.388972
16.
 
Olympus E-PM1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i21.010.349952
17.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the D850 provides a higher video resolution than the E-PL3. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Olympus is limited to 1080/60i.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the D850 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the E-PL3 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the E-PL3 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the VF-2. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D850 and Olympus E-PL3 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon D850optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n n
2.
 
Olympus E-PL3optional n3.0 / 460 tilting n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
3.
 
Canon 5DSoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 5DS Roptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
5.
 
Nikon D5optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
6.
 
Nikon D600optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D610optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon D800optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D800Eoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D810optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon Dfoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n n
12.
 
Olympus E-P3optional n3.0 / 614 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Olympus E-PL1optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 3.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Olympus E-PL2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Olympus E-PL5optional n3.0 / 460 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
16.
 
Olympus E-PM1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A99 II2400 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that is present on the D850, but is missing on the E-PL3 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The E-PL3 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the D850 does not have a selfie-screen.

The Nikon D850 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The D850 writes its imaging data to SDXC or XQD cards, while the E-PL3 uses SDXC cards. The D850 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the E-PL3 only has one slot. The D850 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the E-PL3 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D850 and Olympus PEN E-PL3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D850Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0YYY
2.
 
Olympus E-PL3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 5DSYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
4.
 
Canon 5DS RYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
5.
 
Nikon D5Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0---
6.
 
Nikon D600Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D610Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D800Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
9.
 
Nikon D800EYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
10.
 
Nikon D810Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
11.
 
Nikon DfY- / ---mini2.0---
12.
 
Olympus E-P3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
13.
 
Olympus E-PL1Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
14.
 
Olympus E-PL2Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
15.
 
Olympus E-PL5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
16.
 
Olympus E-PM1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
17.
 
Sony A99 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY

It is notable that the D850 has a microphone port, which is missing on the E-PL3. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D850 (unlike the E-PL3) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The D850 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the E-PL3 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the E-PL3 was succeeded by the Olympus E-PL5. Further information on the features and operation of the D850 and E-PL3 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D850 Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus E-PL3 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Nikon D850 or the Olympus E-PL3 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Advantages of the Nikon D850:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (45.4 vs 12.2MP) with a 97% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (48 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (5.5 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (4.5 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (2.4 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60i).
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2359k vs 460k dots).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (9 vs 5.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (1840 versus 300) on a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports Ultra High Speed (UHS-II) SDXC cards.
  • More modern: Reflects 6 years of technical progress since the E-PL3 launch.

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Reasons to prefer the Olympus PEN E-PL3:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • More compact: Is smaller (110x64mm vs 146x124mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 692g or 69 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (82 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in June 2011).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D850 is the clear winner of the match-up (27 : 8 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D850 27:08 E-PL3

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D850 and the Olympus E-PL3 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D850 and the E-PL3 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D8504.5/5+ +5/589/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2017 3,299 amazon.com
2.
 
Olympus E-PL33/5+ +..72/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 599ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS R5/5+..83/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D6004/5+ +..87/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D6104/5+ +..87/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 1,999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D8005/5+ +..82/1005/55/5 Feb 2012 2,999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D800E......84/1005/55/5 Feb 2012 3,299ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D8105/5..5/586/1005/54.5/5 Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon Df4/5....81/1004/54/5 Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-P3..83/100..74/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 799ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-PL1..86/100..69/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2010 599ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-PL23/583/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2011 599ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-PL53/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 599ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-PM1..86/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 499ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A99 II....4.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Nikon D850 vs Olympus E-PL3

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon D850 Olympus E-PL3
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date July 2017 June 2011
    Launch Price USD 3,299 USD 599
    Sensor Specs Nikon D850 Olympus E-PL3
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 23.9 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 858.01 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.1 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 45.4 Megapixels 12.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 8256 x 5504 pixels 4032 x 3024 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.35 μm 4.29 μm
    Pixel Density 5.30 MP/cm2 5.42 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 64 - 25,600 ISO 200 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 32 - 102,400 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor EXPEED 5 Truepic VI
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 100 52
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 26.4 20.9
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.8 10.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 2660 499
    Screen Specs Nikon D850 Olympus E-PL3
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.75x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 2359k dots 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D850 Olympus E-PL3
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 9 shutter flaps/s 5.5 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC or XQD cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-II no
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D850 Olympus E-PL3
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in no NFC
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Nikon D850 Olympus E-PL3
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL15a Olympus BLS-5
    Battery Life (CIPA)1840 shots per charge300 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 146 x 124 x 79 mm
    (5.7 x 4.9 x 3.1 in)
    110 x 64 x 37 mm
    (4.3 x 2.5 x 1.5 in)
    Camera Weight 1005 g (35.5 oz) 313 g (11.0 oz)
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